A Council of Dolls: A Novel

Written by Mona Susan Power

Narrated by Isabella Star LaBlanc

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD

The long-awaited, profoundly moving, and unforgettable new novel from PEN Award–winning Native American author Mona Susan Power, spanning three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women from the 19th century to the present day.

From the mid-century metropolis of Chicago to the windswept ancestral lands of the Dakota people, to the bleak and brutal Indian boarding schools, A Council of Dolls is the story of three women, told in part through the stories of the dolls they carried….

Sissy, born 1961: Sissy’s relationship with her beautiful and volatile mother is difficult, even dangerous, but her life is also filled with beautiful things, including a new Christmas present, a doll called Ethel. Ethel whispers advice and kindness in Sissy’s ear, and in one especially terrifying moment, maybe even saves Sissy’s life.

Lillian, born 1925: Born in her ancestral lands in a time of terrible change, Lillian clings to her sister, Blanche, and her doll, Mae. When the sisters are forced to attend an “Indian school” far from their home, Blanche refuses to be cowed by the school’s abusive nuns. But when tragedy strikes the sisters, the doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls.  

Cora, born 1888: Though she was born into the brutal legacy of the “Indian Wars,” Cora isn’t afraid of the white men who remove her to a school across the country to be “civilized.” When teachers burn her beloved buckskin and beaded doll Winona, Cora discovers that the spirit of Winona may not be entirely lost…

A modern masterpiece, A Council of Dolls is gorgeous, quietly devastating, and ultimately hopeful, shining a light on the echoing damage wrought by Indian boarding schools, and the historical massacres of Indigenous people. With stunning prose, Mona Susan Power weaves a spell of love and healing that comes alive on the page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Aug 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9780063281127

Mona Susan Power

Mona Susan Power is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Her novel, A Council of Dolls, was longlisted for the National Book Award and the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction. She is the author of three previously published works of fiction, The Grass Dancer, which won the Pen/Hemingway Prize, Sacred Wilderness, and Roofwalker. Her short stories have been published by The Atlantic Monthly, The Paris Review, The Best American Short Stories, and more. Mona is a graduate of Harvard and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Reviews for A Council of Dolls

[MaryPags · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It’s not meant to be a story that is enjoyable. It’s sad and hard. There were times when I had trouble following along. Some books are meant to be read, so I owe it to myself to read the words.

[Jane Siemon · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Readers need to be prepared for chapter after chapter of horror stories caused by white abuse of Native American Indians.

[Nora Rudnick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful descriptions of connections to earth, tribe and family through 4 generations of Native American (Dakota-Lakota) women. Their passionate way of living through trials and tragedy enlivened their own dolls who then tell their story so we don’t forget. I really enjoyed it!

[Sophie Rubeo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

meaningful tale of overcoming generational trauma. shifted between three generations with beautiful writing. great author.

[Selina Cooper · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a good book, an important book even, as it addresses the miserable plight of our Native Americans and their abominable treatment by the settlers and then citizens of the United States.

In general, considering all of the voices out there clamoring for our attention these days, we just don’t hear that much from our Native Americans on this subject who indeed have suffered, and continue to suffer deeply, but just don’t talk much about it. An indication of their way, I guess, which only adds to my deepest admiration and sympathies for them.

Mostly narrated through the eyes of three young Native American women and their dolls.

I’m only giving 4 stars because parts of the book were very dull and difficult to get through, and because it kind of jumps around a lot and becomes a little confusing.

I really enjoyed listening to the narrator who has a very easy listening voice and a is a very good choice for the story. Taking into consideration the negatives mentioned above, I would say this is still a good book and a worthwhile listen.